Wildlife Farm Will Open To Public

120 Acres Home To Exotic Animals

July 18, 1998|By JILL STORMS; Courant Correspondent

TORRINGTON — A Torrington businessman will open his 120-acre Goshen wildlife compound this weekend to the public for the first time.

James Mazzarelli has worked for the last four years to build a suitable setting for his collection of about 100 animals, which range from African antelope to pygmy goats. He started the Action Wildlife Foundation Inc., and has had stone walls and several barns built on his sprawling Goshen farm. It is on Route 4 in Goshen, just over the Torrington line, and will open to the public Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Visitors may walk the grounds and observe the animals, which are confined to open-air pens surrounded by fencing, according to Jodi Mazzarelli, assistant director at her father's farm.

``He just wants people to come and enjoy these wonderful animals in this beautiful setting,'' Mazzarelli said.

There is no charge for the visit. Mazzarelli said most of the animals are native to Asia and have been domesticated in the U.S. Her father got the animals through donations or bought them. James Mazzarelli had applied to the Torrington Zoning Commission two years ago for a zone change to turn the old supermarket on Migeon Avenue into a wildlife museum. That facility would have showcased Mazzarelli's extensive taxidermy collection. While he could not be reached for comment, his daughter, Jodi, said the museum is ``a separate issue'' and would not discuss its status.

The Action Wildlife Foundation Inc. opens its doors Sunday from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Summer hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Parking is in a gravel lot near the barns on the side of Route 4. A walkway and staff will direct visitors to the animals. The wildlife exhibit is free, but donations are accepted.